Low-Calorie Chicken Recipes

I am not going to start another lecture on healthy diet, what should you eat and what not to eat, blah, blah, blah. On the web, you can find enough articles about that. Staying healthy and fit does not involve the idea that you should only eat vegetables and fruits. I know how tough it is, not to respond to the alluring calls of pizzas, burgers or other spicy, cheesy foods. And for what? Because you want to keep your waistline trimmed, forever. And this can never happen if you keep your taste buds happy. Hence, you ditch the animal protein from your diet. Really? You think so?

Shedding pounds does not include that you eat less, but eat the foods or dishes of less calorie. If you are following a diet plan that cuts all that you love to eat, does not sound well. Mark my words, you cannot follow that meal plan for a long time. Here are some low-calorie chicken recipes that will help you to stay on the tracks of a healthy diet, as well as pampering your taste buds.

Baked Chicken Drumsticks:

(4 servings)

Ingredients -

Chicken drumsticks 4. 
Onion paste one teaspoon. 
Ginger-garlic paste one teaspoon. 
Crushed ground black pepper. 
Oregano. 
Salt to taste. 
Vegetable oil.

Directions -

First, marinade the chicken drumsticks with lemon juice, onion paste, ginger-garlic paste, and salt to taste. Now set aside it in the room temperature for 30 minutes. 
Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees C. 
Now grease a baking pan with oil and arrange the drumsticks on the pan. Brush each of them with a little bit oil. And finally, sprinkle crushed black pepper and oregano on them. 
Bake for 30 minutes. Turn over the sides, and bake for another 20 minutes. 
Now enjoy the juicy chicken leg pieces sprinkled with exotic herbs. 
Chicken cooked with onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms:

(3 servings)

Ingredients -

Boneless chicken pieces 14 (I prefer the thigh pieces. They are delicious and take less time to get cooked.) 
Mushrooms (either canned or fresh from the market) 
One large onion (finely chopped) 
5 Cloves of garlic (minced) 
Ginger paste half teaspoon 
Lemon juice one teaspoon 
Red, green, and yellow bell peppers (cut into small pieces) 
Crushed ground black pepper 
1 and a half tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil 
Salt to taste 
Coriander leaves

Directions -

1) Marinade the chicken pieces with lemon juice and salt. Set it aside for about 30 minutes. 
2) Cut the mushrooms into small or medium pieces, as you wish. I prefer my mushrooms to be in medium thin slices. 
3) After 30 minutes, heat the oil in a pan. Add the ginger and garlic, sauté until they turn brown. 
4) Now add green chilies, onions and bell peppers to it. Sauté for 6-7 minutes. Let them sweat a little bit. 
5) After that, add the mushroom pieces to the pan and add salt and black pepper to it. Cook for another 4 minutes. 
6) After 3-4 minutes, add the chicken pieces, and mix all of them well. Place the lid over the pan and cook it for another 10 minutes. 
7) After 10 minutes, turn off the flame, open the lid and enjoy the mouth-watering aroma of cooked chicken and mushrooms together.

And now, it is time to serve it. You can garnish the dish with fresh chopped coriander leaves or parsley.

Lemon Chicken:

(3-4 servings)

Ingredients -

A whole chicken breast 
Lemon juice (half of a large lemon) 
One chopped onion 
5-6 cloves of garlic, minced 
Ginger paste proportioned to garlic 
Green chilly chopped or paste 
Half teaspoon of turmeric powder 
Half teaspoon of red chili powder 
Black pepper powder 
Salt to taste 
Half tablespoon of vegetable oil

Directions -

1) In a mixing bowl, Take all the ingredients except the chicken, and form a mixture. 
2) Rub this mixture all over the chicken breast very well. And marinade for 1-2 hours. You can also leave it overnight if you want. 
3) Now pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees C. And grill the chicken breast for 20 minutes. Flip the side and grill for another 30 minutes. 
Before you place the chicken breast into the oven, don't forget to brush some vegetable oil over the chicken.

If you want to sauté the chicken,

1) Cut the chicken breast into small pieces (approx. 15-20 pieces). 
2) Marinade the chicken pieces. The process is the same as the grilled one. 
3) In a pan, heat half tablespoon of vegetable oil, and sauté the chicken pieces until they turn brown.

If you are so health conscious, and cannot even want to intake 200-300 calories, then go through this Boiled Chicken recipe.

(3-4 servings)

Ingredients -

A whole chicken breast 
One large onion cut into large chunks 
6-8 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped 
2-3 inch ginger, chopped 
One carrot cut into large chunks 
Two celery stalks cut into chunks 
Salt to taste 
Black pepper powder 
Vegetable oil

Directions -

1) In a large pan, pour water and add the onions, garlic, ginger, carrots, and celery to it. Sprinkle salt, black pepper powder, and oil to it. Put it on the heat for 1 minute. 
2) After 1 minute, when a few water bubbles come out, add the chicken breast to the water. Cover the lid of the pan, and boil the chicken for about 40-50 minutes. You can add more water if it needs. 
3) How to know that the chicken is ready? If you see that the meat is falling off the bone, surely the chicken is ready to eat. 
4) Now, remove the chicken breast out of the broth, discard the bones, and shred into pieces.

All these mouth-watering chicken recipes of low-calorie, are easy to make and tastes awesome. They will never bother your weight-loss regime. So, Bon Appetite

Energize Yourself With an Invigorating Massage

Types of Massages: There are as many types of massages as there are masseurs or massage parlors. Most experienced masseurs do tend to have their own special way of applying pressure and squeezing out those muscles. With most massages falling into a few generalized types, there can be a broad classification as follows:

• Swedish massage: This method uses kneading action and long strokes of the arm to bring about a vibrating effect; removing stress from bodies.

• Deep tissue massage: Here the connective tissues and the layers of flesh that are deep below the surface is stimulated with strong forceful action that is meant to penetrate the body.

• Sports massage: Most sportsmen these days under go this massage. It is meant to relax, at the same time helps the body recover from physical activities. Injuries are healed quickly when applied with this massage.

• Pointed massage: The various trigger points laid out all over the body are stimulated with this type of massage. The aim can be healing as well as recovery from over use of body parts.

Benefits of Massage: There are a whole lot of benefits from body and muscular massages. People do under go massages to bring about health benefits and good feeling to themselves. The massage is now seen as an alternate stream of medicine. On many occasions, the massage is complemented with other forms of medications. It can be used to elevate moods and relieve anxiety. In modern day sports, foot massaging shoes are used to bring about better conditioning of physique and prevent injuries. Even with all this going, a lot of people just get a massage just because it feels good. The deep relaxation that a good massage brings is rejuvenating as well as relaxing

6 Tips for a Good Back Massage

Performing any therapeutic and advanced back massage can require plenty of professional training. However, a relaxing and efficient massage can still be given to anyone without proper training. There are a few basic techniques of massage that can help you a lot to give a great massage. Some important tips for giving a great back massage are as follows.

1. Choose an appropriate and comfortable location

Using a massage table can give you the best access to anybody's back. It is also built for a great level of comfort and provides a proper alignment for your spine. There are however a few alternatives you can look at in case there is no table available. For example, you can try using the floor, a bed or a couch.

2. Pour the massage oil on your palms

You need to start by using one teaspoon and this is roughly the size of a quarter. You can also rub it between your hands before actually applying it to a person. There are certain good oils to use like grape seed oil, coconut oil, almond oil and jojoba oil.

3. Spread the oil around

The technique of spreading the oil around is called as effleurage and this means light friction. You can use gliding movements in long or sometimes even strokes. Also use your whole hands and start the massage by moving them upward.

4. Use a Petrissage technique

A Petrissage technique is a one that uses a short ad circular stroke by applying more pressure when compared to effleurage. You can also think of this as a technique of kneading that can use pressing as well as rolling in order to enhance a deeper level of circulation. This technique can also use the fingertips, palm and knuckles.

5. You can also use the technique of muscle lifting

In order to perform this, you can close your fingers and also hold out the thumb. You need to apply all he pressure in a lifting motion and twisting manner. Also keep alternating your hands in a movement that can be described as a windshield wiper.

6. Apply good quality twists

This means that you need to come back and around to the side of the person. Also reach around the far hip with the help of one hand that rests on your nearer hip. With the help of a fluid motion, you can also pull one hand towards you while pushing the other hand away.

5 Things You Should Know While Buying a Massage Chair

A massage chair is a result of the technological progress that this world is making. These chairs readily offer a great massage at a reasonable cost. As far as these chairs are concerned, there is a difficult decision that all of us at some point or the other have to make. There are some tips that need to be followed while buying these massage chairs. These tips are as follows.

1. The motors of these chairs is extremely vital

There are two main things that you will have to find out here. You will have to find out exactly where these motors are made. The best motors are manufactured in Japan. They are made with an intention of lasting long and are also made with a great amount of precision.

2. Look for all those points of warranty

You will have to get an adequate protection of warranty while buying a chair for massage. You can also at times negotiate for a longer term because very often you will be dealing directly with a manufacturer.

3. Never believe any mind blowing claims

A seller will any time make some claims that will be hard to believe. Yes, you shouldn't buy these claims as these can delude you during your purchase. This is just a tactic that is used by most sales people. Always make your own decision while buying a massage chair.

4. Be careful while buying from warehouses

No, we are not discouraging you from buying from warehouses. You just essentially have to be careful before proceeding with your purchase. These warehouses will offer you the chair at a low cost but in return you might get a diminished level of quality. Warehouses at times can offer great quality of massage chairs but you should never fall in the trap of a fake chair yet eye pleasing one.

5. Stay away from small time vendors

As far as massage chairs are concerned, there are hundreds and thousands of small time vendors who will offer you numerous types of deals. You just need to make sure that these deals never get in your way of purchase. These small time vendors can also trick you to buy a chair above its market value. You need to avoid these type of vendors and make sure that you do so in a sophisticated manner. It is one of the important things to remember.

4 Ways How a Remedial Massage Can Be Helpful

Needless to say, we are all aware of the several kinds of massage that are available these days. Once you open the yellow pages, you will find innumerable kinds of therapies ranging from sports therapy, deep tissue, Thai, relaxation and hot stone. But which one is suitable for you? You can't just barge into a therapy centre and indulge in any kind of therapy you feel like.

Contrary to common perception, not all therapies are remedial in nature. These kinds of therapies are the ones where the therapists remedy muscle problems in the body. Therapies like deep tissue and sports massage are the ones which are part of the remedial therapy and bring a change or effect in the body. But therapies like hot stone aren't part of any remedies but only bring about relaxation in the body.

So what are the advantages of remedial therapy?

• Great respite from muscle aches and joint pains: Whether it's the neck, arms, legs, shoulders or back, all aches are caused by muscle contractions. Sometimes you might feel a sharp pain due to the contraction which is why a remedial therapy can be of great help in breaking up the contracted muscles to relieve you of any pain.
• Reduces chronic pains: People who have chronic pains assume that they have to live with the pain, but it's totally untrue. These pains are a resultant of chronically tight muscles which causes nerve irritation and inflammations. Through these therapies, the therapists remove the muscle compensations causing the pain to disappear gradually.
• Great stress buster and promotes relaxation: Yes, stress is an emotional response, but the effect of stress falls on the whole body. When you are stressed out, you would have noticed very stiff shoulders? Or after a hard day at work, you feel fatigued? If you do, this kind of therapy can actually help you release all the tightness in the muscles.
• Improved mobility: Elder people derive great pleasure from this kind of therapy because it gives them the chance to enhance their mobility and flexibility. But it's not just for more elderly people as even middle aged, or even teenagers can greatly benefit. People these days are too busy to daily exercise which is why this kind of therapies can really be helpful.

These are just four of several benefits of this kind of therapies but don't expect for your pain to miraculously disappear after just one setting. You have to do it frequently in order to gain the highest level of satisfaction

Benefits of Massage - Couple and Facial Massage

A lot of scientific research has been done and it has proven that massage therapy comes with many health benefits which include some of the following

Relaxing Muscles - A good massage session is the solution to neck, back or muscle pain. Massage gets to the root of persistent pain by relaxing tense muscles.

Relieving Stress - A single massage session can significantly lower heart rate and insulin levels. Being stress free leads to a more productive life.

Improving Posture - Putting your posture back to track can be achieved effectively through Massage therapy as it helps reinforce healthy and natural movements.

Relieves Headaches - By reducing the pain and pressure, massage reduces the chance and frequency of headaches.

With the magical touch, massage therapy has also been proven to improve conditions such as cancer, mental health, pain and cases of infant care.

For the couples there is always something for you. As they put it, everything is better in twos. This type of massage is like no other as it offers double the benefits and doubles the relaxation. The main idea behind this massage is you get to enjoy a side-by-side massage designed to be shared with your significant other or some good friend and also get to enjoy some bonding time. Other benefits associated with it include allowing the two people to completely relax and release personal or mutual stresses. Couples also find comfort and a safe haven to unwind, the valuable presence of each other is also appreciated and they get to enjoy renewal together.

Facial massage is an integral part of good skin care. It is a proven way to helps you remain beautiful, youthful and maintain a radiant face. Surrounded by an environment filled with pollution and toxic chemicals facial cells are bound to get worn out but with some good facial massage the cells get rejuvenated hence restoring facial glory. Other benefits of facial massage include encouraging detoxification and lymphatic drainage, reducing inflammation and swelling and creating more optimum skin health.

Finally we get to look at foot massage, which is a very healthy, healing and therapeutic form of massage. Foot massage is crucial since a large number of nerve endings are found on the soles, and opposite ends of those same nerves spread in all other parts of the body. Foot massage is done by applying pressure on specific points of the feet.

Some great benefits of foot massage includes eliminating headaches, reducing pain experienced by people with flat feet, increasing circulation of blood especially for people who wear tight shoes and helping to reduce muscle fatigue.

How To Bounce Back From A Grueling Workout Faster

If you have just started a new workout plan or if you are pushing yourself in the gym harder than you ever have before, you may find that recovering from these grueling sessions is starting to take an increasingly long time. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to shorten your recovery rates. Following are a few easy steps you can take to regain your power and energy shortly after challenging your body to the extreme.

Always do your best to stay hydrated. Bear in mind that you are already dehydrated as soon as you feel even a little bit thirsty. Rather than trying to gulp down a lot of water after you're done exercising, try hydrating yourself all day long. You can do this best by carrying a large bottle of water with you at all times so that you can sip at it periodically throughout the day.

Make sure that you are properly warming up and cooling back down before and after each and every session. This is essential for preventing soreness and for avoiding minor injuries that might through your exercise plan off track. It also creates loose, limber muscles that are less likely to bunch up and start feeling tight, sore and tense after you have conditioned them.

When strength training, pause between each set and stretch the targeted muscle group. This is essential for preventing the build-up of lactic acid in your muscles. Lactic acid contributes to the soreness and fatigue that you feel after lifting a lot of weights or pushing your muscles to the point of failure. If you can prevent the development of this acid, you will be a lot less likely to feel tired and sore.

Reduce the amount of strength training that you are doing and balance out your routine with more cardiovascular activities. All good workouts represent a perfect balance between these two things, even for people who are in the process of bulking up or building mass. If you are not doing a sufficient amount of cardio, you will often find that your energy starts to decline.

Consider the benefits of taking a post-workout supplement. Products like these are designed to give the body the fuel it needs to bounce back from training. They help break up lactic acid stores and enhance cellular activity for faster muscle recovery. Many bodybuilders and athletes use them to achieve a faster return back to their former state after they have increased the intensity of their training.

Article 2 America Over Prescribed Heart Disease

As we look at the medicating of America, we must look at it realistically. Our people are destroying ourselves needlessly. Our physical health is deteriorating and our lives are being abruptly ended simply due to the consequences of our everyday decisions.

In this series, a review of the most common chronic medical conditions affecting America and her people will be revealed and discussed. We will look at how we are causing, treating, and failing to curb their afflictions on us. As you will see throughout this series, the chronic conditions that are plaguing America are majorly a result of poor performance in taking care of ourselves. It may seem like a daunting discussion to embrace, however, it is asked of you, now that you have read this far, to please commit to keeping an open mind as we discuss this topic.

While not opposed to structured physical fitness programs, in general, this series is focused on physical movement in general. Small changes every day in life, which will lead us to a brighter, healthier, and more productive future. Our actions today will substantially affect our lives of tomorrow. We will discuss how we can prevent and combat the most common, chronic, and financially draining illnesses, in which a simple "prescription" of physical movement or exercise would alleviate.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2012, nearly half of all adults in America suffered from one or more chronic health conditions! These adults and their chronic health conditions accounted for eighty-six percent (86%) off ALL health care spending in 2010!

The most prominent chronic health condition in America, Heart Disease, kills more of us a year than cancers. Not every case of heart disease is a result of poor physical movement and fitness. However, when you learn that only 48.2%, coincidently, nearly the same amount of American adults who suffered one or more of the chronic conditions, meet the Physical Activity Guidelines as recommended by Health.gov, it becomes evident that there is blood on our own hands. Our actions, or lack thereof, are harvesting premature death trends.

Heart disease, and its companion, stroke, cost America $315 billion dollars in 2010, with $193 billion being DIRECT medical expenses (American Heart Association!

Failing to meet these standards set us up for a multitude of health complications. Our bodies are naturally aerobic in nature, meaning we need oxygen in order to properly function. When our heart, the muscle we rely on to sufficiently supply our body with oxygen, is exposed to inactivity and underuse, it progressively will become weaker and less efficient. Our blood flow succumbs to the increased plaque (cholesterol) build up in our arteries. Less blow flow will lead to less oxygen being circulated. An inadequate supply of blood to any part of our body results in poor function, and eventually, disease or death of the organ.

While heart disease encompasses a wide variety of other chronic health issues and risk factors, some which we will discuss in this series, when grouped together as one, heart disease is responsible for our untimely deaths.

If we are not promoting a healthy heart through our daily actions and habits, we are opting for a game of roulette with our lives.

Simple physical and habitual actions today can foster health in our hearts:

• Meeting the minimum recommendation standards for aerobic activity on a daily basis (Routine, regular exercise) 
• Improve diet and eating habits 
• Decrease stress 
• Cessation of cigarette smoking 
• Decrease or eliminate excess alcohol consumption

According to WebMD, these are some of the medications used to treat symptoms of Heart Disease (and some of their side effects):

• ACE inhibitors: Artery dilator to allow blood to flow easier (headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, low blood pressure

• Aldosterone Inhibitor: For swelling and water retention due to heart failure

• Beta Blockers: Decrease promotion of adrenaline to increase heart efficiency (fatigue, nausea, constipation, dizziness, shortness of breath)

• Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs: Reduce cholesterol affecting the body (nausea, cramping, muscle break down)

• (PCSK9) Inhibitors: Lowers the amount of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) that is present in the body

• Vasodilators: Relaxes blood vessels to allow for easier blood flow (chest pain, rapid heartbeat, fluid retention, headache, dizziness)

This non-inclusive list represents the myriad of remedies to treat heart disease and its symptoms. The side effects are plentiful and appear discomforting. Yet, we rely on these to ease our ills reactively.

Instead of embracing this standard of living, what if we get in front of the trend? What if we respond proactively? Instead of concreting a dependence of these drugs for nominal quality of life in the grand scheme of things, how about we seek a high quality of life? What if we became dependent on the "Exercise More" pill and took that daily? (See Article 1 of this series, "America: Over-Prescribed & Mis-Prioritized")

Of course, there are side effects to the "Exercise More" pill:

• Better Moods 
• Better Sleep 
• More Confidence 
• More Energy 
• Less Stress 
• Improved Overall Health

Which pill would your prefer?

This is Article 2 of the series. In this series, we will continue to discuss common ailments that are often medically treated or maintained with medication. Those that, if physical movement and activity, or exercise, were prescribed, would provide a natural remedy to eradicate the problem in its entirety. We will take the time to discuss medication versus physical exercise as the alternatives for a remedy.

Which "pill" would you prefer? Please share your choice in the comments below.

And remember, inn the competition of responsibilities in life, we tend to forget about what is most important to our health... us. In a world of confusion and chaos, it can be a lonely journey to optimize your health journey. We can do it together and persevere.

How To Practice Yoga To Increase Your Height

After going through a few Yoga lessons, you will come to know that your posture has considerably improved and the straightening of your torso part feels as you have become taller by some centimeters. People have reportedly gained about 3 inches of height by doing Yoga. Usually, this is based on the principle that if you carry out Yoga positions, which lay focus on stretching, then you will get to perceive toning and development of your back muscles first prior to lengthening and straightening of the spine and at last there will be a gradual decompression, thickening and strengthening of the spine. All of these will make you look taller.

Good growth is feasible only through natural means along with balanced diet and physical exercise. Yoga is the best exercise for increasing your height. Yogic practices maintain the functional ability of your body. Some of the yogic practices, particularly the Asanas and the standing Yoga are very advantageous for your growth with regard to height. It has the ability to increase suppleness and flexibility to the body and helps in accelerating the function of your body. Some Yoga Asanas help in stretching your spine. These yogic practices increase your height for a couple of inches. Regular practices of some yogic poses rectify the deformities of your bones, which are related to height. It proves helpful in decompressing your spine, strengthening your vertebrae and making you taller by a couple of inches. So, Yoga indirectly or directly helps to make your taller.

Tadasana is such a form of Yoga that helps in increasing your height. In this Asana, your body remains erect and you gaze towards the sky. It allows your whole spinal column to stretch and loosen from top to the bottom, thereby helping in the healthy spine. It is very advantageous Yoga for the right stretching of your spine and it also helps in correcting your posture. These processes of making the spine straight show the good result for your height. So, it is regarded as one of the most appropriate poses to increase your height.

Tadasana is very effective in stretching of your muscles and nerves and balances the functions of different organs of your body. It is very important for healthy spine and toning of your abdominal muscles and organs. In order to do Tadasana, you need to stand erect by keeping your feet 15 cm apart. Keep your eyes open right through the period. Take a deep breath while moving up your hands with an open palm. Stand on your toes and stretch your body from top to the bottom as much as you can. Keep your stomach in, chest forward and spine stretched. The weight of your body should be evenly distributed on your both toes. Slowly take your arms down along with the body. At last, fix your gaze at a particular point.

8 Reasons Why Yoga Is Good For Health

Yoga is not something like stretching, but creating balance in the body through both strength and flexibility. The continued practice of yoga makes the body strong, flexible and improves the functioning of the respiratory, digestive, circulatory, and hormonal systems.

There are a number of yoga asanas (poses) with different names and includes standing postures, seated twists, backbends, arm balances, inversions and core holds.

1. Lowers Stress and improves your mood

The practice of yoga helps to boost oxygen levels in the brain that lowers the stress and makes you happier. Yoga encourages you to relax, slow your breath and allows you to focus on the present.

2. Boosts Confidence

The act of meditation can actually boost your confidence by releasing tension from your mind. Without any forms of anxiety, it helps you to establish an internal connection with yourself so that you can feel confident about your body.

3. Lowers the risk of injury

Exercise, such as running includes a higher risk of injury and increase muscle tension. Yoga concentrates on balancing this activity. Yoga unites both your body and mind and therefore allows you to turn in a way that outcome in an injury free, healthier you.

4. Helps you lose weight

One major contributor to weight gain is excess stress. Regularly practicing yoga enables you to bring a deep sense of relaxation to both your body and mind, helping you to distress and allowing you to lose-weight naturally. With yoga Sun Salutations and Kapal Bharti pranayama are ways that help you to lose weight.

5. Increases flexibility and posture

The continued practice of yoga makes your body strong, supple and flexible. Yoga practice tones the body muscles and makes them strong. Also, it helps to improve your body posture when you sit, stand, sleep or walk. This would, in turn, help relieve you of body pain due to incorrect posture.

6. Builds muscle strength

Yoga helps you to improve your muscle tone. Strong muscles not only give a good look, but also protect us from back pain and arthritis.

7. Benefits breathing and lowers blood pressure

Consistent yoga practice will increase your lung capacity as a result of the deep breathing process. It will also help in sports to increase your stamina and endurance. Also, meditation and yoga asanas slow down your heart rate, which in turn lowers blood pressure.

8. Increases your blood flow

Yoga asanas get your blood flowing. The yoga relaxation exercises help in proper blood circulation in your body. Yoga also gets more oxygen to your cells, which function better as a result.

Resource for Yoga Vacations and Retreats

Rejuvenate Yourself In A Perfect And Healthy Vacation

It is tiring and at the same time monotonous to keep on working for a long time, and that is when you need a break to rejuvenate yourself. The best option is to go for a travel trip, but even that can be strenuous at times.

Yoga Is For All

Though it is not a compulsion that you have to undergo a yoga session to refresh yourself as it is a personal preference, but yoga is beneficial in ways more than one and you may feel to take up a session sometime.

You need not be an expert to do yoga. Everyone, including the beginner, is handled with extreme care so that you do not hurt yourself in the process.

Though it is advised to practice yoga outdoors so that you get plenty of fresh air and less perspiration, you can do it indoors if you feel so.

As the primary idea of Yoga Vacation is to release the stress of your muscles through long layover for improved functioning you can feel light and better right from the very first session.

The yoga program is scheduled in a way to suit anyone's liking or daily routine. It is not even a compulsory thing to follow it to the last word and can skip a few steps initially.

Every yoga vacation is customized and tailor made. You are not treated like a guest but as a member and get proper care and service all the time.

There are not many restrictions regarding food, and you get to eat all your favorite foods, but it can be organic preparation and in a regulated way.

As these sessions are well planned and extremely gentle, you never feel it like a punishment but stay active through self-meditation exercises.

The best part is that the sessions do not end with your vacation as the easy and self- practice methods can be carried on daily by any one even at home.

The Best Place

When you consider a yoga retreat, then it is best to go for a yoga school on the foothills. When you are in a Yoga Vacation, you can practice in the mornings or the evenings at your convenience. You can also enjoy long evening strolls in the lush green foothills. The benefits and facilities that these retreats offer are many and varied. You can enjoy your vacation and at the same time learn to live healthy eating organic foods.

You can live in comfort alone or twin sharing basis.

Free library with WI-fi facility offered.

Free in-house teachers provided for the duration of your stay which is generally of 10 days.

The fee is not very high as compared to the facilities and result obtained.

The Forms of Yoga Retreat That Will Stay For the Next 5 Years

A great many people who plan on enjoying a haven also fancy getting the most out of it. They are keen on having a great time even as they do the things that are going to be a blessing for their body and also their mind. This is the reason why they sigh themselves up for conventional exercise retreats.

Yoga can be termed a variety of holistic activity that doesn't merely entail your physique and also entails your psyche. And a great number of people have found out that yogic workouts are helpful in alleviating strain and anxieties even as they make them fit emotionally and bodily.

Varieties of Meditation retreats

The reasons behind such retreats are definite. The key plan behind such sanctuaries is letting people indulge in several supplementary activities so that they are able to enjoy the tour to the hilt. People find themselves indulging in several entertaining activities like swimming, jogging, hiking, surfing, and also biking for attaining the greatest level health & fitness.

Another variety of sanctuary is hosted in diverse resorts. Such variety is used to pamper all the visitors pampered and free them of their stress and rejuvenate them. A great variety of spa cures is there that the visitors could give a try ahead of following such sessions. They moreover have the option of getting a curative massage performed whenever they like. A great number of people are really keen on leaving and evading all variety of stresses while at work and so they fancy this variety of shelter for rejuvenating their psyche ahead of returning home.

The final variety of such a haven is definitely more direct and severe. You would be told to follow a strictly vegetarian diet sans any alcohol, cigarette, and unwholesome food. You must engross yourself in the actual yogic living where the nature of considerations is spiritual. Instructors and practitioners of yoga are going to teach you. The variety of yoga breaks is the finest way for everyone trying to find complete peace of mind. A yoga retreat is an ideal place for such a vacation.

Conclusion

Each and every single ancient exercise place is the finest and most excellent possible way of getting away from all the stresses and strains of a professional work life and from the mundane day to day home life and to focus on your bodily wellbeing and fitness. Basically, this is not anything other than a fitness activity that will be invigorating you and also boosting your efficiency at your workplace and also at your residence. Thus it is quite natural that one would wish to pick the premium variety of places that interest you the most.

What Are The Differences Between The Three Main Yoga Groups

Hatha Yoga is a classical style of yoga which cultivates deeper awareness of the poses, attention to alignment, understanding of breathing techniques, and exploration of the mind as well as of the body. This style of Yoga is the most widely practiced form in the world. Hatha Yoga uses postures (asana) and conscious breathing (Pranayama) to combine with mental focus and develop awareness, strength and flexibility, relaxation, and mindfulness.

Hatha Yoga Flow classes incorporate traditional Hatha Yoga with a beautiful flow of movement from one posture to the next, creating a meditative flow of sequencing whilst using the breath.

Today, the need for restorative yoga couldn't be greater. Sometimes in life we need to take a step back and relax our bodies and minds. During the practice of restorative Yoga we learn the art of resting with awareness by supporting the body so you can hold poses for longer, allowing the body to open through a series of passive stretching.

When we rest with awareness, we notice areas of tension that we were unaware of and as a consequence, all of the organ systems of the body are benefited. A few of the measurable results of deep relaxation are the reduction of blood pressure, the increase of the "good cholesterol" levels, as well as improvement in digestion, fertility, elimination, the reduction of muscle tension, insomnia and generalised fatigue, and also depression.

Restorative Yoga class movements will be gentle, settling into seated poses for a prolonged amount of time with the support of numerous props to ensure you are stable and comfortable. A still body does not mean a quiet mind, the real yoga comes when the mind reflects the pose, allowing yourself to cultivate inner peace.

Prenatal Yoga offers tremendous benefits to women though every phase of pregnancy. Many women can experience changes physically, emotionally and mentally during this magical time. On a physical level, yoga helps a woman to build and maintain her strength, stamina and flexibility while at the same time helping to alleviate the discomforts such as lower back pain, swelling and fatigue.

Because of the hormonal changes taking place, women can also feel very emotional and it can also be common to experience mood swings or feel overly sensitive. Practising yoga helps to balance the endocrine system, and this can leave practitioners with a sense of well being and ease within themselves.

On a mental level, students will often experience feelings of anxiety when thinking about labor and childbirth. The meditative aspects of yoga help to calm the mind when anxiety-producing thoughts arise.

By practising yoga throughout her pregnancy, a woman is also preparing for labor and childbirth. The strength gained through yoga asana will help her endure the physical demands of labor. Yoga's breath awareness and pranayama techniques can also be used as a coping mechanism during and in between contractions.

Integrating yoga's meditative practices can encourage a women to stay present. Being present allows her to work with her body and can help labour to progress, decreasing the possibility of a prolonged labour.

Yoga Elements GG is Guernseys leading Yoga specialist. Yoga Elements cater for Private Groups, Corporate Groups and holds daily Yoga workshops and retreats on the Channel Island of Guernsey

International Yoga Day

A brief background to the International Yoga Day

It was on September 27, 2014 while addressing the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly our Honorable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi proposed the world community to adopt an International Day for Yoga. In his words, "Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body. It is not just an exercise but a holistic approach towards our health and well being". This resolution was endorsed by 175 member states and 21 June was declared as the International Yoga Day.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a mental, physical and spiritual practice that originated in India. It is an ancient practice. The word Yoga means Unity which symbolizes the unity of mind and body. It works on all the levels of the body including mind, body, energy and emotion. It is an easy and safe way to stay fit and healthy forever. It just need to be practiced regularly with right body movement and breathing. It regularizes the functioning of all the organs in the body and prevents our body to get disturbed due to some unhealthy situation. This is the message that the International Yoga Day wants to spread between people.

Ideally practicing yoga regularly in the morning provides outer and inner relief. It keeps away the countless ailments at both physical and mental level. Practicing the various Asanas strengthens the body and mind creating a feeling of well being. It sharpens the mind, improves brainpower and help in high level of concentration. The feeling of well being enhances the social well being. Improved concentration level creates inner peace to the mind. Yoga is a philosophy which develops self-discipline and self awareness within regular practice.

5 basic Yoga poses for beginners to do on this International Yoga Day:

Balasana (The Child's Pose)

Kneel and bring your chest down onto your thighs and your forehead to the floor. Your arms should stretch by your side with your hands next to your feet. Slowly breathe in through your nose and notice the back of the chest expanding and the ribs widening. As you exhale try to sink the buttocks back down toward the heels feeling the spine gently bend over the thighs. Stay here for 5-10 breaths, or however long feels good for you.

Benefits:

Releases tension in the back, shoulders and chest

Helps ease stress and anxiety

Flexes the internal organs and keeps them flexible

Regulates circulation in the body

Cools the mind and body

Bidalasana (The Cat Pose)

Move into a tabletop pose with the wrists directly below the shoulders and knees below the hips. Push the palms into the mat to make sure your shoulder blades are broad.

While inhaling, look forward and reach the tailbone toward the sky. While exhaling tuck the chin to the chest and reach the tailbone to the floor. Continue through this movement. Allow the breath to lead and feel the entire spine being massaged. Try to keep the creases of the elbows facing each other to protect the joint from hyperextension.

Breathe through 5 rounds.

Benefits:

Develops posture and balance

Strengthens the spine

Stretches the hips, abdomen and back

Increases body synchronization

Massages organs like stomach, kidneys and adrenal glands

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog Pose)

Take the palms a little wider than shoulder width, tuck the toes and lift the hips into the air. The chest moves back toward the thighs. Relax the head and keep the arms straight. Roll the shoulders away from the ears. Bend the knees and start to walk with one heel down at a time. It is important to keep the hips high than to get the soles of the feet to the ground.

Benefits:

Builds strong bones.

Fights slumpy-posture syndrome

provide a great ankle and calf stretch

Increases blood flow to face and brain

It opens up sinuses and clears nasal congestion.

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bent Pose)

Walk your feet toward the hands and let the upper body hang. The neck and head should be relaxed and the knees should be bent to start with. As you inhale find stretch through the spine and while exhaling move the head slowly towards the feet.

Breathe 10 rounds here.

Benefits:

Stretches hips, hamstrings, and calves.

Keeps the spine strong.

Releases stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

Calms the mind and the nerves.

Activates the abs muscles.

Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

From the standing position, widen your to about a leg-length. Turn the right foot out to the side, so that the heel is aligned with the centre arch of the left foot. Keeping the arms parallel to the ground reach out to the right side. Keep both legs straight with the thighs engaged. When you can't reach any further, align the arms so that they are in one line. The chest remains open and the torso stretches. Breathe 5 rounds here and then repeat on the other side.

Benefits:

Improves the function of blood through body.

Strengthens the hips, back, arms, thighs and leg.

Reduces blood pressure and stress.

heal indigestion.

Calms the mind and reduces anxiety.

Approximately 200 million people around the world practice yoga, majority of them in India, and over 20 million in the United States. With the motion for an International Yoga Day, more people will become aware of the system of yoga and will be encouraged to follow a spiritual life style, a life that is healthy. Let this be a grand opening for the world community to realize the worth of oneness.

Advantages of Taking Up Yoga Teacher Training for a Better Living

Among the various ancient activities that were carried out, yoga is the one that has been gaining a mass appreciation. In this new world, you will find many people are getting closer to this practice. Many researches have been carried out to find out to find out the advantages that are associated with the practice of this ancient art.

With more and more people getting attracted towards this exercise practice, the craze towards taking admission in the schools that are dedicated in teaching yoga to the people will is also growing rapidly. You can get the right knowledge in this filed only if you get the drill form a qualified educator, who is well versed in the art of this ancient exercising technique. Thus, the importance of Yoga Teacher Training is also on the rise.

India is the country where the ancient technique of exercising and meditation was discovered. Yoga will help you in keeping the mind and the body in the best shape. All the exercises and meditation methods that are preached here will only benefit you if they are done in the right way. You cannot expect to learn the basics from a novice. For this, you will need the advice of an expert. Only a person, who is experienced with this, will be able to teach you.

Benefits of Taking a Training Course in Yoga

There are various benefits that a person, aspiring to be a tutor of this ancient art can reap. They can be discussed under the following heads:

• Getting To Know The Art Better

It is not an easy task to get hold of the art. Only if you take a Yoga Teacher Training you will be able to get a deeper insight into the fundamentals of the subject. A good theoretical knowledge can only be got once you enroll in the coaching institute.

• Getting A Professional Career Option

As more people are getting interested in taking up professional lessons, the need of teachers are also going to see an increase in demand. If you are thinking of taking training for being an instructor, you will get a good opportunity to earn a good amount of money by teaching the aspirants. You can get appointed as a teacher in any school that teaches this art or open your own school. In both the cases, you must be well-trained in this yourself.

• Getting In Sync With The Mind And Body

While you are getting the training, you will acquire the benefits of getting to know your inner self a lot better. You will be able to control the mind and body in a better way. Once you learn to do this successfully, it is a sigh that you are ready as a tutor.

The Present Trend

It is really interesting to note who an exercising method from the land of the yogis became a massive success in bringing together all the fitness freaks of the world. It is about time that you incorporate the goodness of it in your life as soon as possible. Not only is it good for the students, it is also a good option for teacher of this art.

Stress Less With Yoga Nidra

Stress is a very serious challenge that people try to deal with everyday. In fact, it always has its own way of manifesting itself into our body, even when we try to ignore it. A lot of people complain that they experience physical symptoms caused by stress and almost all of them constantly experience psychological disorders like anxiety. However, with money and career coming into play as the main cause of stress, it is imperative in the world today to learn how to manage it.

Yoga has the answer. In fact, a calming as well as relaxation practice such as yoga nidra, which is also known as "yogic sleep," is very effective for managing the condition. It has the capacity to activate our parasympathetic nervous system to go into a state of ultimate relaxation. When we practice yoga nidra, we can also have access to the realm of awareness of consciousness that exists between waking and sleeping, combining an alert awareness of the mind with total relaxation of the body. However, it is also a practice where science and the spirit meet. They both work together to help us relief the tension and stress that can keep us up at night, while also helping to improve the quality of sleep that we usually have.

Rest well and overcome anxiety with this yoga nidra

However, we have three levels of consciousness, which are walking, dreaming and deep sleep, The fourth is known as the transcendent state which is also known as Turiya. Many people hold a different view about yoga nidra but the fact remains that it is conscious deep sleep, which was taught by the ancient sages. The main purpose of teaching it was to explore the deep impressions or samskaras, which drives our actions or karma.

Another reason why the yoga nidra was taught is for sincere seekers to purify the deep aspect of the mind-field, which is accessed in the formless state of conscious deep sleep.

The truth about practicing yoga is consistency. In fact, for anyone to fully benefit from yoga practice, he or she has to be consistent with the practice. Another very important advice for newbies is to get attached to a yoga teacher who has the experience who can put you through. However, it is a nice idea to watch yoga DVDs and other materials but it is also necessary to be guided by a yoga teacher first, before progressing with that